, 1887-04-07
IDAHO ANNEXASIOS.
The Idea from q spokane Falls stand
Point.

The idea from q spokane Falls stand
| Point.
The failure of the. annexation bill
was disappointment to Spokane Falls.
The prevalent feeling throughout
northern Idaho being favorable to an
nexion. The contiguity OF that Sec
ton and eastern Washington, and
their intimate commercial relations,
all urged executive approval. 1t mat
ters little what was the real cause OF
failure, for it is certain that there were
at work to defeat this polite and wise
measure, influences set in motion by
sectional jealousy. 1t is a fact that
the strongest antagonism to nnnexa-
ton shown in northern Idaho, was ex-
hibited by the interests centered in
and around Murray. Alone among
other towns, that mining camp has
from first to last displayed feeling
almost unanimous in its hostility to
annexation. Whatever might have
been the constitutional considerations
and perplexities which the fact OF an
nexntion might have presented, TIE
legal questions involved in the passage
of the bill do not appear to have been
instrumental in fixing and dividing
public opinion elsewhere, as it is
claimed was the case at Murray. But no
unprejudiced person can doubt what
the real secret OF the feeling displayed
there is. 1t is Helena interests which
WELD so potent an influence. Not that
many of the opponents OF annexation
in Murray and elsewhere, were not sim
cerely apprehensive that annexation
would jeopardize their interests, for
they Enthusiastically were of opinion
thev would. Nevertheless, the Mon
tann influence and interests, accom-
piished what they could to kill annexa-
ton. Helena will find that another
year will make annexation an accom-
plished fact, and two years will make
Spokane the only distributive point for
Northern Idaho. Building operations
here are proceeding with great rapidity.
There are probably in course OF con-
struction in different portions OF the
city at least fifty buildings. The Ar
lington has been q pronounced success
that an additional frontage OF 70 feet
has been obtained, and the construc-
ton OF an addition will be commenced
as soon as possible. This will double
the present capacity OF the house and
do something towards satisfying the
demand for accommodation.
The California house has had gen.
eral overhaullng, which, with the added
improvements, makes that hotel quite
as good as new. The lower floor espec-
tally has been so much improved in
appearance as to be scarcely recogniz-
able in its new garb.
Spokane is exceptional among west
ern cities in one respect at least.
While it has at least two church edi-
fees worthy OF the name, it can boast
Of no opera house. The condition OF
affairs would commonly be considered
disgraceful to community arrived ut
metropolitan distinction; but it may
be that Spokaners are religious.
AT any rate, ii rumor speaks the
truth, this city will, in the near
future, have as its temple of drama,
building in every way creditable to a
city which can boast an amateur opera
company of exceptional histrionic and
vocal excellence. No details are at
| Manu-, DtlU IL is uIlutIstoo' llltO tlic
building will be substantial three
story brick block constructed with all
the conveniences and improvements
of the modern theatre.
The new court house on the north
side of the river is now well under way
and will be finished as soon as possible.
The real estate market is not booming
but exhibits signs of II healthfully pro
gressive activity. There are many out
side BUYERS here who desire invest
ments, not only for the purpose OF
holding their purchases for rise in
values, but who wish to make this city
their home. It's true that in consid-
ering the factors which are ultimately
to build up its influence and prosper
ity, the average western town does not
allow questions of an aesthetic or senti-
mental nature to enter into its calcula-
tions. Indeed in many of them there is
no reason for the existence of such
considerations. Who that knows the
phenomenal and picturesque beauty OF
the site of this city and Of the encom-
passing region can doubt that senti-
ment will have some influence in max
ing Spokane Falls great city. Within
the next two weeks Mt least one more
addition will be placed ON the real
estate market
The milling interests here will have
another augmentation i'll an oatmeal
mill, which is approaching completion.
The G. II &. mills are turning out $50
barrels a day, and the Echo mills ut
least $50, both running on full time to
satisfy all orders The river has risen
not less than four feet within the past
week, and the view of the Falls is now
singularly impressive and really phc-
nomenal but it will be May before the
rush of the water will be seen ut its
best.
Speculation concerning the estab.
lishment OF II smelter here is still one
| of the mental luxurics i'm which the